Batad rice terraces, Philippines – day 2

trip report by site editor Rick McCharles

Day 1 saw me reach Batad, a remote village of fewer than 1500 people, one of the best places to view the UNESCO World Heritage Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras.

Day 2, I slept in until everyone else had departed (with guides) to the Tappiyh Waterfalls. … At a quiet moment, I rushed off in the opposite direction on my own. I didn’t want a guide.

Though the trails look easy and obvious, I was quickly lost.

Over 3wks in the Philippines I never once saw a trailhead sign, nor a “hiking trail” sign. No wonder most hikers hire local guides.

I was intending to find (on my own) the back-route to the village of Bangaan. And find it I did — eventually.

It was fun to be in the paddies on my own.

En route I saw only 2 other hikers, with guide, headed in the opposite direction.

The biggest industry in the region seems to be construction, both road and trail construction. These steep slopes must often get washed out.

It was a truly wonderful hiking day, especially when I finally reached intensely scenic Bangaan.

From there I was prepared to walk out of the mountains (with full Pack) and try to catch transport back to civilization. By luck the very first vehicle — a dump truck — offered to drive me out. I got the cab. Other locals hopped into the back.

Here’s a Jeepney driving in the opposite direction, delivering more happy tourists to Batad.